Banquet Cook | Valley River Inn

Columbia Hospitality, Inc.; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 53,010,000 - 68,770,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LTD Bus Pass

Tip/Tip Pooling Eligible

Get Paid Daily

Paid Time off & Holiday Pay

Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 0

Job summary

Columbia Hospitality, Inc. seeks a Cook I to prepare menu items according to recipes, lead line cooks during service, conduct inventories, and maintain sanitary, well‑stocked prep areas while ensuring safe food handling.

You’ll open and close kitchen procedures, accommodate guest requests promptly, and collaborate with banquet teams to execute meals for events, delivering consistent quality in a scenic Eugene hotel setting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years industry experience; banquet experience preferred.
• Able to cook proteins to pre-determined temperatures.
• Read and follow simple instructions and memos; present information clearly.
• Knowledge of mother and minor sauces; proper butchering techniques.

Responsibilities

• Prepares menu items according to recipes, presentation standards, and guest specifications.
• Leads small culinary teams in banquet execution and daily preparation needs.
• Follows proper food handling and storage practices per regulations.
• Conducts inventory, monitors product levels, and communicates replenishment needs.
• Provides direction to line cooks during service to ensure smooth operations.

Skills

Banquet experience

Proficient in knife work

Team leadership

Education

State Food Handler’s License

Tools

Slicer

Robo-Coup

Hobart mixers

Convection ovens

Job description

Create menu magic and make hungry people happy. Showcase your skills by preparing new menu items and daily preparation requirements, providing guidance to line cooks, conducting inventories, and ensuring sanitary and well-maintained food preparation areas, as well as safe food handling. Cook I is responsible for opening and closing kitchen procedures with the ability to accommodate customer needs in a timely manner.

Let’s start off with the most important part - what’s in it for you:

The Perks

• Eligibility of perks is dependent upon job status
• Hourly Pay Range: $18.50 - $24.00 DOE
• LTD Bus Pass
• Tip/Tip Pooling Eligible
• Get Paid Daily (Make any day payday)
• Paid Time off & Holiday Pay (Because Balance Matters)
• Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K
• HSA/FSA Plans -with employer contribution
• Values Based Culture (#OMGLIFE)
• Culture Add (Creating Space for Fresh Perspectives)
• Referral Bonus (Get Paid to Recruit)
• Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf, and Retail (Yes, Discounted Travel!)
• Employee Assistance Program
• “Columbia Cares” Volunteer Opportunities
• Committee Participation Opportunities (Fun, Philanthropic, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion)
• Task Force Work Opportunities (Grow your career in idyllic locations across the globe)
• Online Learning Platform to Help You Grow!
• Third Party Perks (Including discounts on Pet Insurance, Rental Cars, Movie and Concert Tickets, Theme Park and Attractions & so much more)

Our Commitment to you:

“People never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s famous statement serves as a rallying cry throughout Columbia Hospitality and fuels our collective drive - and success.
Our people are our purpose, and our brand is our people. We seek extraordinary individuals who drive our brand promise of Creating Exceptional Experiences. We are a people-first organization, ignited from the inside to succeed on the outside. We are a tight-knit, inclusive, values-driven team and we trust one another to have each other's backs. We show up every day with open hearts, an inclusive mindset, and genuine respect for those around us. We have fun, grow together, and strive to leave a positive lasting impression on everyone we meet.

What Success Looks Like:

Your Impact

• Prepares menu items according to recipes, presentation standards, and guest specifications.
• Cooks proteins to pre-determined temperatures and ensures quality and consistency of dishes.
• Leads small culinary teams in banquet execution and daily preparation needs.
• Follows proper food handling and storage practices in accordance with local and state regulations.
• Conducts inventory, monitors product levels, and communicates replenishment needs to the Chef team.
• Ensures sanitary and well-maintained food preparation areas and kitchen equipment.
• Operates and maintains specialized kitchen equipment including slicers, Robo-Coup, Hobart mixers, and convection ovens.
• Demonstrates mastery of knife skills and proper butchering techniques.
• Adjusts preparations for flavor and presentation while accommodating guest needs in a timely manner.
• Provides direction and guidance to line cooks during service to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Attends all scheduled meetings and training sessions.
• Other tasks as assigned based on business needs and levels.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned by management to support departmental and organizational goals.

What You Bring

• 5+ years industry experience, Banquet experience preferred
• Able to cook proteins to pre-determined temperatures
• Ability to cook a banquet up to 250 with a help of a small team
• Necessary State Food Handler’s License
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instruction, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one on one and small group situations to other employees of the organization
• Working knowledge of all mother and minor sauces
• Working knowledge of proper butchering techniques
• Knowledge of specialized equipment: Mastering of slicer, Robo-coup, Hobart, convection ovens
• Must possess knife skills, the ability to adjust preparations for flavor, and accommodate customer's needs in a timely manner

Where you'll work:

Welcome to Eugene’s Only Riverfront Hotel — a place where natural beauty meets warm hospitality. Nestled along the banks of the Willamette River, Valley River Inn offers a tranquil retreat for guests with over 250 fully renovated rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the Pacific Northwest charm while providing the comforts of a modern, upscale experience.
Whether it’s savoring a glass of local Willamette Valley wine on a private balcony overlooking the river or enjoying the vibrant sunset, the setting offers an unforgettable connection to Eugene’s natural surroundings.
This historic property is home to Sweet Waters on the River, a beloved local dining destination, and features over 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, making it a favorite for gatherings of all sizes. Located just minutes from Eugene’s bustling downtown, the University of Oregon, and iconic venues like Autzen Stadium and Hayward Field, Valley River Inn is at the heart of Eugene’s cultural and recreational scene.